Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
less is learned
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "less is learned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express that a smaller amount of information or knowledge is acquired or understood. Example: "In situations where distractions are present, it often seems that less is learned from the experience."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
("There is now less flogging in our great schools than formerly, but then less is learned there. So what the boys get at one end, they lose at the other").
News & Media
Bugelski suggested in the 1970's that the major increment in learning occurs in the early stages of exposure and that less is learned during later stages [ 6].
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
Something that is key but often less emphasised is learning.
News & Media
Her daughter now has less homework and is learning to work with her hands.
News & Media
Scientists say pretty much anyone can learn a new language with one study even suggesting a new word can be learned in less than 15 minutes.
News & Media
Whilst quite a lot has been learned about the crime drop in terms of crime patterns less has been learned about how this has been expressed in changing patterns of criminality.
Science
But here I get wound up less and I'm learning to control my anger and not to react to things so much.
News & Media
For the less technical, it's learning how to ask.
News & Media
Every single attack al-Shabab makes, the casualties are less, because we are learning.
News & Media
Women are not becoming less feminine; they are learning to speak up, take charge and more easily make decisions while still possessing more "feminine" qualities at varying degrees.
News & Media
Some government officials and press advocates say Americans are learning less about their government's actions.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "less is learned" to succinctly convey that a reduced amount of information or knowledge is being acquired, especially when contrasting it with other factors.
Common error
Avoid using "less is learned" as a blanket statement without specifying what factors contribute to the reduced learning. Provide context to enhance clarity.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "less is learned" primarily functions as a statement expressing a reduction in knowledge acquisition. As Ludwig points out, this construction is grammatically sound and conveys that a smaller amount of information is being understood or retained.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
50%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "less is learned" is a grammatically correct expression used to convey that a reduced amount of knowledge or information is acquired. As Ludwig AI explains, it is particularly applicable in educational or training contexts. Its neutral register allows for use in news, media, and scientific domains, though its overall frequency is rare. Remember to use the phrase with specific context to avoid overgeneralization. Consider alternatives like "fewer insights are gained" or "understanding lessens" to add nuance to your writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
fewer insights are gained
Focuses on insights rather than general learning.
knowledge diminishes
Highlights the reduction in the amount of knowledge.
understanding lessens
Emphasizes a decrease in comprehension.
learning decreases
Directly states a reduction in the act of learning.
comprehension declines
Focuses on the decline of the ability to comprehend.
information is retained less
Highlights the decreased retention of information.
retention diminishes
Focuses on the reduction in retention capability.
grasping concepts declines
Emphasizes the difficulty in understanding complex ideas.
assimilation of information decreases
Addresses the reduction in absorbing and integrating information.
cognitive absorption lessens
Highlights the reduced cognitive process of absorbing new information.
FAQs
How can I use "less is learned" in a sentence?
You can use "less is learned" to describe situations where reduced effort, attention, or resources lead to a smaller amount of knowledge acquired. For example, "With shortened class times, "less is learned" by the students".
What are some alternatives to saying "less is learned"?
Alternatives include phrases like "fewer insights are gained", "understanding lessens", or "knowledge diminishes", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it grammatically correct to say "less is learned"?
Yes, the phrase "less is learned" is grammatically correct. "Less" is used appropriately to indicate a smaller quantity of learning, and the sentence structure is standard.
In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "less is learned"?
The phrase "less is learned" is suitable in contexts discussing education, training, or any situation where knowledge acquisition is a factor. It is particularly useful when contrasting different conditions or methods of learning.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested